Universal Mounting hitch

ABSTRACT

The universal mounting hitch (26) includes a U-shaped bracket (151) including two spaced apart vertically extending legs (152) including a plurality of apertures (164) therein. The vertically extending legs (152) are interconnected by a horizontally extending member (154) including a plurality of apertures (158). The apertures (158) enable attachment of the U-shaped bracket (151) to the draw bar of the garden tractor (22). The apertures (164) enable attachment of the U-shaped ends (36) of the trailer (24) to the U-shaped bracket (151).

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/107,120, filed Oct.13. 1987 now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.899,755 filed Aug. 21, 1986 U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,595 which is a filewrapper continuation of Ser. No. 648,763 filed Sept. 7, 1984 nowabandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multi-purpose trailer with universalmounting hitch for use with lawn and garden tractors and the like. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to a multi-purpose trailerwhich can be readily converted to a bagger for receipt of grassclippings from the grass chute of a garden tractor and whose universalmounting hitch enables other trailers or utility carts to be hitched tothe garden tractor.

The present invention relates to a universal mounting hitch for use withlawn and garden tractors and the like. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to a universal mounting hitch enabling a trailer orutility cart to be hitched to a garden tractor.

Grass baggers which are pulled behind garden tractors are becomingincreasingly popular. The grass baggers are pulled behind the gardentractor on a support frame typically supported above the surface of theground by a plurality of wheels. A grass chute extending from the mowerhousing is interconnected to the bagger so as to provide a path for theflow of the grass clippings from the mower to the grass bagger. Withsome garden tractors, an auxiliary engine driven blower or the like isrequired in order to provide sufficient force to force the grassclippings into the bagger. However, in other garden tractors utilizinghigh lift blades, sufficient force is provided such that an auxiliaryengine driven blower is not required.

Currently available baggers are rather expensive and are typicallycapable of only being used for bagging purposes. In addition, manybaggers require a rather complicated mounting hitch arrangement toenable attachment to the garden tractor. Furthermore, many of thegabbers commercially available are difficult to unload. Many must beemptied quite frequently, as they are not of sufficient size.

The present invention solves these and many other problems associatedwith currently available baggers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multi-purpose trailer and universalmounting hitch for attachment to a garden tractor, the multi-purposetrailer being adaptable for receipt of grass clippings from a grasschute of the garden tractor. The present invention includes a trailerhaving a back end facing away from the garden tractor and a front endfacing the garden tractor. The trailer includes an H-shaped supportframework, including two longitudinally extending, spaced apartelongated members and a transversely extending elongated memberinterconnecting the longitudinally extending members. The longitudinallyextending members each have U-shaped front ends with each of the endshaving a pair of horizontally aligned apertures therein. The H-shapedsupport framework is supported above the surface of the ground by atmost a single wheel. The wheel is pivotally interconnected to theH-shaped support framework for pivotal motion about a generally verticalaxis, the wheel being located closer to the back end of the H-shapedsupport framework than the front end. The trailer further includes atrailer box including a floor, two vertically extending sides, avertically extending front side, and a slated backside, the sides of thetrailer box having a top and bottom. The sides of the trailer boxinclude an outwardly extending flange along the top thereof. The trailerbox is pivotally interconnected to the H-shaped frame by a substantiallyU-shaped bracket for pivotal motion about a horizontal axis disposedproximate the back end of the H-shaped frame. The U-shaped bracket isfixedly secured to the floor of the trailer box and pivotallyinterconnected to the longitudinally extending members of the H-shapedframe. The trailer further includes a support framework rising above thetrailer box, including vertically extending support members fixedlysecured to the sides of the trailer box and horizontally extendingmembers secured to the vertically extending support members. Latchingmeans is provided for releasably latching the trailer box to theH-shaped support framework. A flexible, perforated fabric cover adaptedto removably fit over the support framework rising above the trailer boxand enclosing the trailer box is provided. The fabric cover includeselongated tension means extending along a bottom edge of the fabriccover proximate the back end of the trailer box for placing the bottomedge of the fabric cover in tension, the bottom edge of the fabric covercooperating with the outwardly projecting flange to removably retain thefabric cover on the trailer. The fabric cover includes a flap portionproximate the back end of the trailer adapted to be folded over thefront of the fabric cover includes an access port for interconnection ofthe grass chute of the garden tractor. The universal mounting hitchcomprises a U-shaped bracket including two spaced apart verticallyextending legs interconnected by a horizontal support member. A bracemember extends between the vertically extending legs of the U-shapedbracket. The horizontal member includes a plurality of apertures atdiffering longitudinal locations enabling attachment to a drawbar of thegarden tractor by a pin-like member. The vertical legs include aplurality of apertures at differing vertical positions, each of whichare adapted to cooperate with the apertures in each of the U-shapedfront ends of the longitudinally extending elongated members of theH-shaped frame to receive a pin-like member. The pin-like membersprovide for pivotal movement of the longitudinally extending elongatedmembers about a substantially horizontal axis.

The present invent ion is particularly advantageous in that it is easyto use. The universal hitch and clevice-like ends of the trailer enableeasy attachment and removal of the multi-purpose trailer from the gardentractor. Further, the multi-purpose trailer is readily converted from agrass bagger to a general utility trailer by removal of the fabriccover. The multi-purpose trailer, when used as a grass bagger, furtherprovides for quick and complete dumping of the clippings containedtherein. In one particular embodiment of the present invention, themulti-purpose trailer box is capable of pivoting the front end upwardsubstantially 90° so as to enable removal of the grass clippings fromthe back end. Further, in yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, a single latch handle is used to releasably secure thetrailer box to the H-shaped support frame.

Yet another particular advantage of the present invention is itsincreased volume for grass clippings.

Yet another particular advantage of the present invention is itsinexpensive nature. The present invention can be used in a host ofapplications. The multi-purpose trailer being capable of being used as agrass bagger or a general utility cart. Further, the universal mountinghitch of the present invention enables the multi-purpose trailer to beremoved and another device to be hitched to the garden tractor.

Still another advantageous feature of the present invention is theprovision for distribution of weight between the multi-purpose trailerand the garden tractor. This enables the single supporting wheel toswivel easier and results in less damage to the lawn because there isless weight placed on the wheel.

Yet another advantageous feature is the universal nature of the hitch,which enables the hitch to be used with many different garden tractorsand trailers. In one embodiment of the present invention, the universalhitch provides a draw bar hole for attachment of other devices.

A particular advantage of the hitch is its inexpensive nature. Thepresent invention can be used in a host of applications, the universalmounting hitch of the present invention enabling the multi-purposetrailer to be removed and another device to be hitched to the gardentractor.

Another advantageous feature is the universal nature of the hitch, whichenables the hitch to be used with many different garden tractors andtrailers. In one embodiment of the present invention, the universalhitch provides a draw bar hole for attachment of other devices.

Still another advantage of the present invention is the provision for aspaced apart, two point attachment of the multi-purpose trailer to theuniversal hitch. The two point attachment provides for vertical pivotalmovement of the multi-purpose trailer being pulled over uneven groundand yet prevents the trailer from jackknifing when backing up.

The single wheel configuration of the present invention provides for ahighly maneuverable trailer with the wheel being pivotal about avertical axis.

Another advantageous feature of the present invention is the use of aperforated porous cover material which provides for venting of airthereby doing away with the requirement for any additional vents in thecover.

These and various other advantages and feature of novelty whichcharacterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in theclaims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. however, for a betterunderstanding of the invention, its advantages, and objectives attainedby its use, reference should be had to the drawings which form a furtherpart hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which thereis illustrated and described the preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(FIGS. 9 and 10 are newly added in this continuation-in-partapplication.)

In the drawings, reference numerals and letters indicate correspondingparts throughout several views:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of an embodiment of a multi-purposetrailer with universal mounting hitch in accordance with the principlesof the present invention interconnected to the draw bar of a gardentractor;

FIG. 2 is a partial top plan view of the trailer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view generally along line 33 in FIG. 2 with thetrailer shown by phantom line in a dumped configuration and with a flapportion of the fabric cover pulled forward;

FIG. 4 is a partial view in perspective of an embodiment of a universalmounting hitch in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a partial diagrammatic view of the underside of the trailershown in FIG. 1 illustrating an embodiment of a latch handle used toreleasably secure the trailer to its support framework;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the trailer shown inFIG. 1;

FIGS. 7A through 7F are enlarged exploded perspective views of variousembodiments of universal mounting hitches in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 2 of an alternate embodimentof the multi-purpose trailer of the present invention wherein themulti-purpose trailer provides for a front end entrance for the grasschute as opposed to a side entrance as shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a universal mounting hitch in accordancewith the principles of the present invention, in which the hitch may bemounted underneath the draw bar plate of the tractor, instead of abovesaid draw bar plate; and

FIG. 10 is a view of the hitch of FIG. 9 unfolded to show its one-piececonstruction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 a preferredembodiment of the present invention, generally designated by thereference numeral 20 interconnected to a garden tractor 22. As furtherillustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6, the multi-purpose trailer anduniversal mounting h itch arrangement 20 includes a multi-purposetrailer 24, an embodiment of which is shown in FIGS. 2, 3 5 and 6, and auniversal mounting hitch 26, an embodiment of which is shown in FIG. 4.It will be appreciated, that the multi-purpose trailer 24 and theuniversal mounting hitch 26 each have a particular utility and might beused separate from the other.

More particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the multi-purpose trailer24 includes an H-shaped support framework 28 for supporting a trailerbox. The H-shaped support framework 28 includes two longitudinallyextending, spaced apart elongated rectangular members 32 interconnectedby a transversely extending elongated rectangular member 34. Thelongitudinally extending elongated members 32 include clevice-like frontand back ends 36 and 38, respectively, having a U-shaped configurationwith a pair of horizontally aligned apertures 40 and 42, respectively.The apertures 40 are adapted to removably receive a clevice pin 42 whichin turn is adapted to removably receive a cotter pin 44. A wheel 46 isinterconnected to a transversely extending rectangular member 48proximate the back end of the H-shaped support frame 28 by a swivelassembly 47 for 360° pivotal motion about an axis. The swivel assembly47 shown is a commercially available forked swivel wheel assembly withencased bearings. The swivel assembly 47 is largely spindleless so as toreduce the overall height of the trailer. The axis about which the wheel46 is slightly offset from the vertical as is common with many suchswivel assemblies. The weight distribution of the trailer is such thatthe wheel 46 will readily swivel when the trailer is backed up. theswivel assembly 47 includes a rectangular plate member 49 which issecured to the rectangular member 48 by suitable fasteners 50.

The trailer box includes a floor 60, two vertically extending sides 62,a vertically extending front side 64, and a slanted back side 66 obliquewith respect to the floor 60. The sides 62, 64 and 66 of the trailer box30 include an outwardly extending horizontal flange 68 along the topedge thereof providing additional structural integrity. The trailer box30 is pivotally interconnected to the ends 38 of the H-shaped frame 28by a substantially U-shaped bracket 70 for pivotal motion about ahorizontal axis disposed proximate the back end of the H-shaped frame 28in back of the wheel 46. The U-shaped bracket 70 is fixedly secured tothe floor 60 by suitable fasteners 72 and is pivotally connected to theends 38 along a horizontal portion 70a by suitable fasteners 74extending through the aligned apertures 42 in the ends 38 and apertures76 in vertically extending leg portions 70b of the U-shaped bracket 70.

The trailer box 30 has attached thereto a support framework 80 risingabove the trailer box 30. The support framework 80 includes elongated,vertically extending support members 82 fixedly secured to the sides ofthe trailer box 30 by suitable fasteners 84. Horizontally extendingelongated rectangular members 84, typically made of wood, are secured tothe elongated support members 82 by suitable fasteners 88 along thesides 62 and front side 64. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the elongatedsupport members 82 might include plastic end caps 90 insertable over theend of the members 82. Suitably attached to the support framework 80along the right side 62a of the trailer box 30 is a rectangular frame 92adapted for receipt of a grass chute 94 from the garden tractor 22. Inthe embodiment illustrated, one of the horizontally extending members86a has been cut away so as to not interfere with the opening into thetrailer box provided by the rectangular frame 92, the rectangular framebeing suitably secured by fasteners 96. L-shaped metal brackets 98 mightbe utilized at the intersection of the horizontally extending members 86to provide additional structural integrity to the support framework 80.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, pivotally interconnected on the outsideof the front side 64 of the trailer box 30 for pivotal motion about alongitudinally extending axis as generally illustrated by arrows 100 isa vertically extending elongated latch handle 102. The latch handle 102is pivotally secured by a suitable fastener 104 to the front side 64.The latch handle 102 includes a transversely projecting member 106adapted to releasably engage the underside of one of the longitudinallyextending elongated members 32 of the H-shaped support frame 28 when thelatch handle is pivoted clockwise. When the latch handle 102 is pivotedcounter-clockwise the transversely extending member 106 releases thelongitudinally extending elongated member 32 such that the trailer box30 can be pivoted proximate its back end to enable dumping of thetrailer contents. To dump the trailer contents, the operator simplypivots the latch handle 102 counter clockwise and then pushes upward onthe front end of the trailer box 30. The trailer box 30 will pivot abouta substantially horizontal axis extending through the aligned apertures42 in the ends 38. As illustrated in FIG. 3 by the phantom line 110, thetrailer box 30 is capable of pivoting more than 90° so as to facilitatedumping of the contents.

A flexible, perforated fabric cover 120 is configured and adapted forreleasable insertion over the support framework 80 so as to enclose thetrailer box 30. The fabric cover 120 and the trailer box 30 cooperate,toprovide an enclosed receptacle for grass clippings. The perforatedfabric cover 120 allows for the release of air, which is needed tomaintain the flow of grass through the grass chute into the enclosedtractor box. The fabric cover 120 is sewn to include seam lines 122 suchthat the fabric cover 120 includes front and back ends and sidescorresponding generally to that of the support framework 80. The fabriccover 120 shown in FIG. 3 has pockets 121 sewn in its side portionsproximate the back end of the trailer for receipt of the ends of thehorizontally extending members 86. Extending along a bottom edge of thefabric cover is a hem portion 124 including an elastic member 126.Positioned along a bottom edge of the fabric cover 120 proximate theback end of the trailer box 30 is an elastic cord member 128 releasablyinterconnected to eyelets 130 in the bottom edge of the fabric cover 120for retaining the fabric cover 120 on the trailer box 30. The elasticcord member 128 places the elastic member 26 along the bottom edge ofthe cover in increased tension, the elastic member 26 in turncooperating with the flange 68 to releasably retain the fabric cover 120which is readily removed by releasing the elastic cord member 128 fromthe eyelets 130. In order to reduce wear of the fabric cover 120, theflange 68 might be rounded in the corners. The fabric cover 120 includesa separate flap portion 132 sewn to the remainder of the fabric cover120 along a transversely extending seam 134 such that the flap portion132 can be folded over a front portion of the fabric cover, as shown byphantom line 132 in FIG. 3, when dumping the trailer contents.Accordingly, before dumping the trailer, the user will bring the flapportion 132 forward over the front end of the fabric cover 120 so as toprovide an outlet for the grass clippings at the back end of thetrailer. The flap portion 132 includes a hem portion 131 and an elasticmember 133 along a bottom edge similar to that of the cover 120 tofacilitate retaining the flap portion 132 on the framework 80 when inthe covered position and when pulled forward. Accordingly, no additionalfasteners are required to retain the flap portion 132 in either theclosed or open position.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the fabric cover 120 will preferablyinclude a dust shield 136 on the side of the fabric cover opposite theside to which the grass chute 94 is attached. The dust shield 136 ispreferably located partially along the side wall proximate the back endof the trailer. Additionally, a dust shield 138 is preferably locatedalong the front end of the fabric cover to prevent exhausting of dusttoward the rider on the tractor. As further illustrated in FIG. 2, thefabric cover 120 includes a fabric boot 140 sewn onto the fabric cover120 including an elastic-like band 142 about the circumference thereofso as to enable a substantially tight fit about the grass chute 94. Theflow of the grass clippings into the enclosed trailer box is illustratedgenerally by the arrow 144.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, in an embodiment of the present invention thegrass chute 94 may enter the front end of the fabric cover 120particularly when the trailer 24 is farther removed from the gardentractor 22.

Illustrated in FIG. 4 is an embodiment of the universal mounting hitch26 attached to the draw bar (not shown) of the garden tractor andinterconnected to the multi-purpose trailer 24. The universal mountinghitch 26 includes a generally U-shaped bracket 151 including two spacedapart vertically extending legs 152 interconnected by a horizontallyextending support member 154. In the embodiment shown, a horizontallyextending, vertically extending legs 152. The horizontal support member154 includes a plurality of aligned apertures 158 positioned at varyingdistances from a back plate 160 of the tractor. In the embodiment shown,the aperture 158 closest to the back plate 160 receives a suitablefastener 162 for attachment of the universal hitch to the draw bar ofthe garden tractor 22. The U-shaped bracket 151 serves as an extensionof the draw bar as the outer most aperture 158 serves as an aperture forinterconnecting other utility carts or the like to the universal hitchwhen the multi-purpose trailer 24 of the present invention is removedtherefrom. The vertically extending legs 152 include a plurality ofvertically aligned apertures 164 at varying vertical heights, thecorresponding apertures in each of the respective legs 152 being alignedwith one another. The legs 152 are adapted to receive the clevice-likeends 36 of the H-shaped support frame 28. Accordingly, to attach themulti-purpose trailer 24 to the universal hitch 26,the apertures 40 ofthe ends 36 are aligned with selected ones of the apertures 164 in thelegs 152 and the cotter pin 42 inserted therethrough. This provides fora vertically pivotal connection of the multi-purpose trailer 24 to theuniversal hitch 26 and substantially prevents horizontal pivotalmovement about a vertical axis at the ends 36. Furthermore, support isprovided for each of the ends 36 thereby providing the multi-purposetrailer 24 with increased handling characteristics. The multi-purposetrailer 24, due to this two point hitch connection, will not jackknifeand will also pivot up and down over uneven ground. The brace member 156in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 includes fastener members 166 forfastening the U-shaped bracket 151 to the back plate 160 of the gardentractor 140 to keep the U-shaped bracket rigid and prevent pivotingabout the fastener 162.

Illustrated in FIGS. 7a through 7f are alternate embodiments of theuniversal hitch of the present invention. The embodiment shown in FIG.7b is similar to that shown in FIG. 4. The embodiment shown in FIG. 7ais similar to that shown in FIG. 4, with the exception that the members166 are used as spacer members to butt against the back plate 160 of thegarden tractor 150 to prevent pivoting of the U-shaped bracket 151 aboutthe fastener 162. The embodiment shown in FIG. 7c includes twohorizontally extending brackets 170 which are interconnected to the legs152 of the U-shaped bracket by suitable fasteners 172 and to sides 174of the garden tractor by suitable fasteners 176. The embodiment shown inFIG. 7d includes a similar U-shaped bracket inverted such that the legs152 extend generally downwardly. The brackets 170 are similarly used toattach the U-shaped brackets 151 to the sides of the tractor.

The embodiments shown in FIGS. 7e and 7f are particularly suited for usewith John Deere rear engine riders and front engine tractors. Theuniversal hitch shown in FIGS. 73 and 7f includes a generally U-shapedbracket 180 including two spaced apart vertically extending legs 182interconnected by a horizontal support member 184. The legs of theU-shaped bracket 180 have a generally triangular configuration andinclude a plurality of apertures 185 in a triangular configurationproximate a top end portion thereof. The legs 182 are furtherinterconnected by a slanted brace member 186 oblique with respect to thesupport member 184. The brace member 186 provides structural support forthe U-shaped bracket and extends outwardly away from the back plate 160of the garden tractor 22 so as to not interfere with a steel pocket 188found on the back plate 160 of a John Deere tractor. A fastener 190 isinserted through an aperture 192 in a tow bar 193 of the tractor andthrough one of a plurality of apertures 194 closest to the back plate160 of the tractor. L-shaped brackets 196 are interconnected to theoutside of the legs 182 by fasteners 198. The L-shaped brackets 196 arein turn fastened to the back plate 160 of the tractor by fasteners 200.Corresponding apertures 185 in the legs 182 are used for attachment ofthe ends 36 of the H-shaped support frame 28. In FIG. 7f, the bracemember 186 includes an aperture 202 to enable the brace member 186 to befastened to the steel pocket 188 by a fastener 204. One of the legs 182is securedly fastened to the back plate 160 of the tractor by theL-shaped bracket 196.

It will be appreciated that in use, the fabric cover can be readilyremoved from the trailer to enable use of the trailer as a generalutility trailer or fitted over the trailer to enable use of the traileras a bagger for grass clippings. The grass chute 94 is interconnected tothe flexible boot portion of the fabric cover prior to initiatingmowing. Frequently, as shown in FIG. 1, the grass chute 94 will includea portion 94a which is pivotally attached at 95 to the main portion ofthe chute to facilitate interconnection to a bagger or the like. Theends 36 of the H-shaped support frame 28 are interconnected to theuniversal hitch 26 such that the multi-purpose trailer is pulled behindthe garden tractor during the mowing process. When it comes time toempty the multi-purpose trailer, the grass chute 94 is disconnected fromthe fabric cover 122. The flap portion 132 is pulled forward of thefabric cover 122 as generally illustrated in FIG. 3. The latch handle102 is pivoted so as to release the trailer box 30 from the H-shapedframe 28 and the trailer box 30 is pivoted upward as generallyillustrated in FIG. 3. Prior to dumping the trailer, the trailer mightbe backed up slightly such that the wheel is pivoted approximately 90°to assure that it does not interfere with the dumping process.

It will be appreciated that although the embodiment of the inventionillustrated is shown in use with a lawn tractor having high lift bladeswhich generate sufficient force to force the clippings into the enclosedtrailer box, the present invention might also be used with those lawnand garden tractors having conventional blades and utilizing anauxiliary engine driven blower to provide sufficient force to force theclippings into the bagger. Further, it will be appreciated that thegrass chute 94 might have any number of configurations. For example,although not shown, most gas chutes are removable from the mowerhousing.

Illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 is an embodiment of a universal mountinghitch 26 which allows the hitch 26 to be mounted in front of the backplate 160 and up and underneath the draw bar 193 of the tractor. Themounting hitch 26 includes two spaced apart vertically extending legs300 interconnected by a horizontally extending support member 302. Avertically upright elongated brace member 304 extends between the planesof the vertically extending legs 300. The support member 302 includesand aperture 306 for receiving a suitable fastener 308 to enableattachment of the universal hitch 26 to the draw bar 193 of the tractor.The legs 300 are removed from and not in contact with the brace member304 such that a notch/gap 310 is defined therebetween. The brace member304 includes apertures 312 for receipt of a suitable fastener 314. Asillustrated in FIG. 9, the gap 310 has sufficient width to receive thedraw bar 193 such that the universal hitch 26 can be mounted from belowthe draw bar 193. In the embodiment shown, the fastener 308 includes athreaded bolt 314 and a washer nut arrangement 315, 316 and 317. Afastener 314 shown includes a threaded bolt 320 and correspondingthreaded lock washer 321. The aperture 306 is illustrated as beingelongated so as to allow for horizontal adjustment of the universalhitch 26 on the draw bar 193. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the hitch 26 ispreferably constructed of one-piece material, the fold lines 330 and 332being illustrated in the metal stamping 334 which is shown.

It is to be understood, however, that even though numerouscharacteristics and advantages of the invention have been set forth inthe foregoing description, together with details of the structure andfunction of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, andchanges may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size andarrangement of parts within the principles of the invention, to the fullextent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which theappended claims are expressed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-purpose trailer for removable attachmentto a towing vehicle such as a garden tractor, comprising:(a) a supportframework having a front end facing the towing vehicle when attachedthereto and an oppositely facing back end; (b) at least oneswivel-mounted, ground-engaging wheel interconnected with the supportframework for supporting the support framework above a surface of theground; (c) hitch means for connecting the trailer to the towingvehicle; (d) a trailer box supported by the support framework, thetrailer box and support framework including cooperating mounting meansremoved from the ground-engaging wheel for pivotally interconnecting thetrailer box to the support framework for pivotal movement of the trailerbox about a generally horizontal axis, wherein said horizontal axis isremoved from an axle of said swivel-mounted, ground-engaging wheel; and(e) cover means interconnected to the trailer box for defining anenclosed area above the trailer box, said cover means including aperforated portion through which air can flow, said cover means enablingair to flow from the enclosed area above the trailer box through theperforated portion of said cover means and into the ambient airsurrounding the enclosed area, said cover means further including inletmeans whereby material such as grass clippings can be received into theenclosed area above the trailer box, said cover means being positionablein a closed configuration and an open configuration, in the openconfiguration the cover means exposes a back portion of the enclosedarea above the trailer box, whereby material such as grass clippings canbe readily removed from the enclosed area above the trailer box when thetrailer box is pivoted into a substantially upright position.
 2. Amulti-purpose trailer in accordance with claim 1, wherein the hitchmeans further includes means for preventing relative pivotal movementbetween the towing vehicle and the trailer about a generally verticalaxis, and further includes means for enabling relative pivotal movementbetween the towing vehicle and the trailer about a generally horizontalaxis, whereby the trailer can pivot vertically relative to the towingvehicle on uneven terrain.
 3. A multi-purpose trailer in accordance withclaim 1, wherein said horizontal axis is located above the axle of theswivel-mounted, ground-engaging wheel.
 4. A multi-purpose trailer inaccordance with claim 1, further including latch means proximate a frontend of the trailer box for releasably latching the front of the trailerbox to the support framework.
 5. A multi-purpose trailer in accordancewith claim 1, wherein the cover means includes a dust shield meanslocated proximate a front of the cover means for shielding an operatorof the towing vehicle from dust flowing through a perforated portion ofthe cover means.
 6. A multi-purpose trailer in accordance with claim 1,wherein said cover means is comprised of material having a surface areaof which at least half of which is substantially porous.
 7. Amulti-purpose trailer in accordance with claim 1, wherein the covermeans further includes a back portion proximate the back end of thetrailer box which is comprised of material which is substantiallyporous.
 8. A multi-purpose trailer in accordance with claim 1, whereinsaid horizontal axis is located behind the axle of the swivel-mounted,ground-engaging wheel.
 9. A multi-purpose trailer in accordance withclaim 1, wherein said horizontal axis is located above and behind theaxle of the swivel-mounted, ground-engaging wheel.
 10. A multi-purposetrailer in accordance with claim 1, wherein said cover means pivots withthe trailer box about the horizontal axis.
 11. A multi-purpose trailerfor removable attachment to a towing vehicle such as a garden tractor,comprising:(a) a support framework having a front end facing the towingvehicle when attached thereto and an oppositely facing back end; (b) atleast one swivel-mounted, ground engaging wheel interconnected with thesupport framework for supporting the support framework above a surfaceof the ground; (c) hitch means for connecting the trailer to the towingvehicle; (d) a trailer box supported by the support framework, thetrailer box and support framework including cooperating mounting meansfor pivotally interconnecting the trailer box proximate a back endthereof to a point proximate the back end of the support framework forpivotal movement of the trailer box about a generally horizontal pivotalaxis between a generally horizontal position and a generally uprightposition, wherein said horizontal pivotal axis is offset from agenerally horizontal wheel axis running through an axle of saidswivel-mounted, ground-engaging wheel whereby a floor portion of thetrailer box can be oriented relative to the surface of the ground so asto enable easy removal of material such as grass clippings; and (e)cover means interconnected to the trailer box for defining an enclosedarea above the trailer box, said cover means including a perforatedportion through which air can flow, said cover means enabling air toflow from the enclosed area above the trailer box through the perforatedportion of said cover means and into the ambient air surrounding theenclosed area, said cover means further including inlet means wherebymaterial such as grass clippings can be received into the enclosed areaabove the trailer box, said cover means being positionable in a closedconfiguration and an open configuration, in the open configuration thecover means exposes a back portion of the enclosed area above thetrailer box, whereby material such as grass clippings can be readilyremoved from the enclosed area above the trailer box when the trailerbox is pivoted into a substantially upright position.